Make the end Flamborough Head, not Bridlington!

A great route, although don't underestimate the climbs between Settle and Pateley Bridge. We did it in 4 days staying overnight Morecambe - Settle - Ripon - Pocklington. Delightful countryside, especially the Dales and Wolds.

As others have commented, Aldwark Bridge is closed until October 2023, but there's an easy diversion for cyclists and walkers. Just before the bridge, turn left (follow signs for site office) and pick up a grass track on the perimeter of the golf course, and cross on the golfers' bridge. No one gave us a glance doing this, although we suspect it's a footpath and not a bridleway. Then turn right on track and road back to route.

We have a serious suggestion. Why does this route end at Bridlington? Poor Bridlington - we found it very congested and rather tawdry, and there was no clear end point. We would like to see the route continue for another few miles and end at Flamborough Head. It's a much nicer area, and in keeping with the tranquil nature of the route. An official end right by the iconic lighthouse (and next to a tearoom) would make much more sense. Have we any support?!

We kept a trip blog:    https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/wayoftheroses2023

Thank you, Richard, for a great site.

Brian & Annie Marshall

                               Flamborough Head - a much better end-point

Great route!

This is a great route. We reversed it, cycling east to west, and extended by starting near the Severn Bridge. We found a lovely wooded trail (minor roads) to Usk and then onwards to the official start at Abergavenny.

The amount of off-road riding pleasantly surprised us. A lot of old railway lines and canal paths are used. Factor in that riding the canals reduces the average speed, and a few times we found ourselves dreaming of a bit of flat Tarmac.…

There have been comments on the tricky main road section near Merthyr; but this is being upgraded and we were able to tuck in behind road-work cones. Maybe the improvements will include a cycle-path??

We took our time and were away 3 nights (including the extension at the start) and enjoyed not rushing. The scenery is a delight, and we got very lucky (in late October) with no rain and a following easterly wind. You can’t expect more than that….

Itv would be quite possible to make a circle of this route, combining it with the more southerly Celtic Trail. Or use the frequent bike-friendly train services from Newport to Swansea, and cycle down from Abergavenny.

We kept a blog of our trip:

 https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3d2&doc_id=24679&v=3W

Thanks for a great site and route idea , Richard!

Brian & Annie Marshall